Perth, Australia

When sixteen year old Abby Sunderland lost contact on her solo voyage last week, she was right in the middle of the Indian Ocean. There’s very little in the way of land in this part of the world, where Perth, Australia sits at the eastern edge of the ocean’s water. But creativity knows no geographical boundaries, and even in this far away place, there are handmade goods to tempt you.

Olivia and Michiko YasueIt are the sisters behind My Furoshiki, a collection of hand screen printed fabric wrap. Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese practice of wrapping items in a simple piece of fabric. Children can wrap their books, or their bento box lunches. Furoshiki is also an eco-friendly way for anyone to wrap gifts. Olivia lives in Perth, Australia and Michiko is based in England. Each wrap includes instructions for multiple wrapping techniques, and more information can be found on their blog.

Artist Liz Briggs is based in Perth, Australia, but the Kazuri beads she uses in her jewelry designs are actually from Kenya. Handmade and hand painted by women in Kenya, The Kazuri Bead business employs 360 women, each of whom are paid fair wages. The beads business is ethically run, and helps many women, especially single mothers, to work their way out of poverty and care for their family.

Photographer Aimee Claire uses both film and digital cameras. Specifically, she uses a Holga camera which delivers a tactile image that can not be duplicated by digital. She says she loves the freedom of digital, but it can’t replicate the feel of film. Aimee Claire’s photograph of an empty shoreline may be very close to what teen sailor Abby Sunderland imagined as she lay adrift in the middle of the Indian Ocean last week. But passion is an amazing thing, and when we know we are following our hearts desire, it can sustain us–even in the darkest hour.

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About Emily Anderson

Emily is the author of three books, mother of two small children, wife to one husband, and designer living in New York City. Emily also writes about the creative life, and her pursuit of all things that are good with style on her blog.

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